Cameron University Guitar Ensemble to present concert

The Cameron University Department of Music will present “Dances and Folksongs,” featuring the CU Guitar Ensemble in concert on Tuesday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the McCutcheon Recital Hall. Featured guitarists are Trevor Campbell, Hannah Esquer and William Herrara, Lawton; Tyler Farmer, Geronimo; Samuel Phillips, Sallisaw; and Wesley Stafford, Gulfport, Miss. The CU Guitar Ensemble is directed by Dr. Kirsten Underwood. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students, members of the military and senior citizens. Cameron University students, faculty and staff with CU I.D. are admitted at no charge. Seating is limited to 80 patrons.

“Dances and Folksongs” will begin with Renaissance songs and dances, including “Il Est Bel et Bon” by Pierre Passereau and Lasso’s “My Heart is Offered Still to You.” A set of dances including rousing Saltarellos and a charming Pavana and Ungaresca will be performed as part of a Suite, followed by a duet featuring Esquer and Farmer, who will play selections from “Souvenir de Russie,” a set of theme and variations by Fernando Sor. Campbell, Phillips and Stafford will form a trio for “Mango Walk – a Jamaican Rumba.”

The full ensemble returns for the remainder of the concert. Debussy’s “Golliwog’s Cakewalk” from Children’s Corner will be followed by “Bai Mudan (White Peony),” a traditional Chinese folk song. A medley of sea songs arranged by British guitarist Andrew Forrest will follow, including “Phelim’s Wee Boat,” “Kelly the Pirate,” “The Drunken Sailor” and others. Argentinian composer Gerardo Matos Rodriguez’s famous “La Cumparsita,” will be also featured. The ensemble will then perform Lennon and McCartney’s “Here, There and Everywhere.” The concert will conclude with Joey Hirsh’s rousing new composition for guitar ensemble, “In the Clouds.”

For more information, contact the Cameron University Department of Music at 580-581-2440.